Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund | The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org Empowering young women to be leaders and active world citizens through education and active service Wed, 24 Nov 2021 22:25:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-stanley-logo-1-32x32.png Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund | The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org 32 32 221690908 An Inspiration of a Generation: Celebrating our 2018 Guest Speaker Hollis Wong-Wear https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2018/04/10/an-inspiration-of-a-generation-celebrating-our-2018-guest-speaker-hollis-wong-wear/ Tue, 10 Apr 2018 04:26:37 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/?p=2063 As a passionate anthropologist, Stanley Ann Dunham understood the rich significance of culture in our human experience. Now, decades after the pioneering work of Stanley Ann, Hollis Wong-Wear is making her mark on the world by heralding that timeless wisdom for the younger generation. A trailblazing artist, advocate, and inspiration, Hollis speaks through her art—both through her background in the revolutionary Youth Speaks collective, and her current expressions as a musician and producer. Not only does she engage in in cultural and community development by contributing her artistry, but also by dedicating herself to leadership and advocacy.

One thing that clearly stands out when dipping into this impressive young woman’s background, is that she is not singular in her expression and progress—she is a champion of women and the community outside herself. Creative women of color have long birthed and upheld the power of cultural activism and community in Seattle. Hollis’ artistic ventures and accomplishments in leadership echo the reality that empowerment is not an isolated experience, and that making an impact means including the passion of the community that holds you. Furthermore, Hollis’ values as a socially conscious artist remind us to center awareness of how our work influences change in the world around us.

The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund is honored to welcome Hollis Wong-Wear in our celebration of empowered young women, ready to set their own paths of impact and purpose. Making a transformative global impact means uplifting and investing in culture, and Hollis is an exemplary role model of just what that means.

For info on attending our 2018 Scholarship Awards Ceremony, visit our events page!

]]> 2115 Countdown: Four More Days! https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2017/05/17/countdown-four-more-days/ Wed, 17 May 2017 05:45:58 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/?p=1807 Here they are! : the 2017 applicants from Mercer Island (below, top) and Rainier Beach (below, bottom): incredible and accomplished, all. Come meet them on Saturday at our Awards Ceremony and be inspired by our three speakers, contemporary community leaders, all!

This year’s Mercer Island Applicants (11 of 13)

This year’s applicants from Rainier Beach High School (6 of 9)

 

]]> 1839 Countdown: 5 Days to Go!! https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2017/05/16/countdown-5-days-to-go/ Tue, 16 May 2017 05:52:19 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/?p=1805 The big event is on Saturday! Come meet the 2017 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship applicants at our Awards Ceremony on Saturday at the Northwest African American Museum. Under the tutelage of Poetry Grand Slam Champ Nikkita Oliver, the applicants from both Mercer Island and Rainier Beach High Schools will create a spoken word peace together and then perform it. The Details: Saturday May 20th, 2:30-4:3 (doors open at 2), NW African American Museum, Seattle, refreshment reception to follow.

]]> 1838 Countdown: 9 Days https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2017/05/12/countdown-9-days/ Fri, 12 May 2017 03:06:04 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/?p=1791 We are honored to have such accomplished young women apply for our scholarship! They’re from Rainier Beach and Mercer Island High Schools–each and every one of them has made a difference in our community. Meet them at our Award Ceremony on May 20th! Details: Saturday May 20th; NW African American Museum; 2:30-4:30, doors open at 2; free admission.

]]> 1836 SADSF in Rainier Beach https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2016/12/04/expansion-into-rainier-beach/ Sun, 04 Dec 2016 23:25:37 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamscholarship.wordpress.com/?p=1054 We are thrilled to be exploring a new program this year! An anonymous donor has provided the seed money for us to offer a scholarship to a graduating college-bound senior woman at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, in addition to our Mercer Island scholarship. As we do for Mercer Island applicants, we will select a scholar at Rainier Beach who embodies Stanley Ann Dunham’s values in education and public service. This scholar’s public service will allow us to honor Dr. Dunham’s dedication to helping those beyond our own community.

More details coming in the New Year.

]]> 1054 TV Coverage of 2016 Event https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2016/12/01/coverage-of-2016-event/ Thu, 01 Dec 2016 06:32:52 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamscholarship.wordpress.com/?p=943 We are thrilled to share with you TV KOMO’s news coverage of our 2016 Awards Ceremony on May 21st, 2016!

Press HERE to view the video.

]]> 943 2016 Awards Ceremony https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2016/12/01/the-governors-surprise-appearance/ Thu, 01 Dec 2016 02:50:43 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamscholarship.wordpress.com/?p=915
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Governor Jay Inslee and Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng talk to applicants

On Saturday, May 21st, the Stanley Ann Dunham Fund granted scholarships to graduating seniors Holly Waggoner and Rose Guttman from Mercer Island High School, the same high school that Stanley Ann Dunham graduated from in 1960. The fund also presented a monetary award to graduating senior Sumaya Mohamed from the University of Washington, the winner of this year’s UW/Dunham Essay Contest.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng, Stanley Ann Dunham’s daughter and President Barack Obama’s sister.

There was also a surprise speaker. That morning the office of Governor Jay Inslee contacted us, and asked whether he could join the speakers. The answer was easy: YES! Before the ceremony Governor Inslee and Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng sat down with many of the applicants, giving them advice as to their college years and beyond.

Governor Inslee opened the ceremony by proudly congratulating Mercer Island for its high school’s distinguished alumna, Stanley Ann Dunham. “Because of her life” he said, “700,000 people in our state have health care today.” He was referring to the number of people who have been able to acquire health care under President Obama’s new health care laws.

Our guest speaker, Dr. Maya Soeteoro-Ng, shares her brother’s dedication to public service and their mother’s passion for global citizenship and social justice. A professor of peace education and conflict resolution at the University of Hawaii, Dr. Soetoro-Ng speaks worldwide about her peace initiatives.

Dr. Soetoro-Ng feels a strong connection with Mercer Island. She spoke about how her mother’s years growing up on Mercer Island influenced her: “It gave her enough of a sense of community, spirituality and grounded-ness that she was brave enough to go off to Indonesia,” she said.

Dr. Soetoro-Ng candidly shared her own experiences as a mother of two young girls. She especially moved the audience when she spoke about her adopted daughter. Her speech was followed by a Q and A, where we learned more about her teaching and childhood in Indonesia. Although Dr. Soetoro-Ng’s speech was geared towards the teen applicants to the Scholarship, she inspired everyone in the room.

Finally the big moment arrived: it was time to announce the winners of the Scholarship. Board members Susie Rosenstein and Maxine Box recognized the accomplishments of each of the five finalists, who have volunteered to improve living conditions and opportunities in the areas of education, gender equality, homelessness and public health. The five finalists were the finalists were Eliana Grosoff, Megan Lee, Piper Casey, and this year’s scholars, Holly Waggoner and Rose Guttman.

For the second consecutive year, the Fund presented an award to the winner of an essay contest held by the University of Washington Anthropology Department. The winner, senior Sumaya Mohamed, plans to pursue work with vulnerable populations in global public health. 

It was a spectacular, inspiring afternoon.

 

]]> 915 Introducing Our 2016 Scholars https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2016/11/30/introducing-our-2016-scholars-2/ Wed, 30 Nov 2016 03:26:03 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamscholarship.wordpress.com/?p=856
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Holly Waggoner, Maya Soetoro-Ng and Rose Guttman

On May 21st, the President’s sister, Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng presented our scholarships to Mercer Island High School Seniors Holly Waggoner and Rose Guttman.

“I am driven to explore opportunities to further girls’ education and to create a world where this is not a privilege, but a right.” -Holly Waggoner

“Going to bed at night and knowing I’ve tried to do my best to make a difference in my community, helping the less fortunate, volunteering to help local businesses prosper…”-Rose Guttman

]]> 856 Surprise Guest: Gov. Inslee https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2016/11/30/surprise-guest-gov-inslee/ Wed, 30 Nov 2016 03:24:06 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamscholarship.wordpress.com/?p=853
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Governor Jay Inslee, Maya Soetoro-Ng and 2016 applicants at the 2016 Scholarship Ceremony

On Saturday, May 21st, the Stanley Ann Dunham Fund granted scholarships to graduating seniors Holly Waggoner and Rose Guttman from Mercer Island High School, the same high school that Stanley Ann Dunham graduated from in 1960. The fund also presented a monetary award to graduating senior Sumaya Mohamed from the University of Washington, the winner of this year’s UW/Dunham Essay Contest.

At the Ceremony we welcomed two very special guests: our keynote Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng, Stanley Ann Dunham’s daughter and President Barack Obama’s sister, and Governor Jay Inslee.

Governor Inslee opened the ceremony by proudly congratulating Mercer Island for its high school’s distinguished alumna, Stanley Ann Dunham. “Because of her life” he said, “700,000 people in our state have health care today.” He was referring to the number of people who have been able to acquire health care under President Obama’s new health care laws.

Our guest speaker, Dr. Maya Soeteoro-Ng, shares her brother’s dedication to public service and their mother’s passion for global citizenship and social justice. A professor of peace education and conflict resolution at the University of Hawaii, Dr. Soetoro-Ng speaks worldwide about her peace initiatives.

Dr. Soetoro-Ng feels a strong connection with Mercer Island. She spoke about how her mother’s years growing up on Mercer Island influenced her: “It gave her enough of a sense of community, spirituality and grounded-ness that she was brave enough to go off to Indonesia,” she said.

Dr. Soetoro-Ng candidly shared her own experiences as a mother of two young girls. She especially moved the audience when she spoke about her adopted daughter. Her speech was followed by a Q and A, where we learned more about her teaching and childhood in Indonesia. Although Dr. Soetoro-Ng’s speech was geared towards the teen applicants to the Scholarship, she inspired everyone in the room.

Finally the big moment arrived: it was time to announce the winners of the Scholarship. Board members Susie Rosenstein and Maxine Box recognized the accomplishments of each of the five finalists, who have volunteered to improve living conditions and opportunities in the areas of education, gender equality, homelessness and public health. The five finalists were the finalists were Eliana Grosoff, Megan Lee, Piper Casey, and this year’s scholars, Holly Waggoner and Rose Guttman.

For the second consecutive year, the Fund presented an award to the winner of an essay contest held by the University of Washington Anthropology Department. The winner, senior Sumaya Mohamed, plans to pursue work with vulnerable populations in global public health. 

]]> 853 2016 Guest Speaker https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org/2016/11/30/2016-guest-speaker/ Wed, 30 Nov 2016 03:21:31 +0000 https://stanleyanndunhamscholarship.wordpress.com/?p=850

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Maya Soetoro-Ng

We are honored to welcome President Obama’s sister, Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng, as special guest speaker at our 7th Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony to honor the finalists and winners of our 2016 scholarship, as well as the winner of the Dunham/UW Anthropology Essay Contest.

Dr. Soetoro-Ng, the daughter of Stanley Ann Dunham, shares her mother’s passion for education and peacebuilding. She holds a Ph.D in Comparative Education and works at the Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Hawaii. She teaches Peace Education and Leadership for Social Change and launched a national curriculum called “Ceeds of Peace” in schools around the country. and has also founded numerous inner city programs for youth to promote community service and community engagement.

  • Saturday May 21 from 2-4pm
  • The Congregational Church on Mercer Island at 4545 Island Crest Way
  • Meet Dr. Soetoro-Ng at a Reception and Fundraiser following the award ceremony from 5-7pm at a private home on Mercer Island.
  • Email us for more information and to RSVP to the Reception at dunhamscholarship@gmail.com
  • Suggested minimum donation of $150 (click on paypal button on this page to donate by credit card)

Both Dr. Soetoro-Ng and her brother, President Obama, were shaped by their mother’s powerful vision of what a worthy life looks like.  “My mother was very determined to be remembered for a life of service and thought that service was really the true measure of a life,” says Soetoro-Ng. The title of her talk at the Ceremony will be “The Courage To Serve.”

 

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